John Henry Denig received the Medal of Honor for fighting "with skill
and courage" in the Battle of Mobile Bay on Aug. 5, 1864, and the
Civil War veteran reminded a jury of that honor during a trial he
faced in later years.

After the war, Denig, of York, printed a newspaper with various
names, including "Jack Shepherd's' Daily" or "Jack Shepherd's'
Trumpet." It cost 5 cents if you could afford it, but if not, it was
free.

He used the publication to share his political and religious views,
but he also lampooned people in the community, according to Jonathan
Stayer, who wrote a college research paper on Denig that is available
at the York County Heritage Trust.

"I think he had a bone to pick with everybody," said Stayer, who now
works for the Pennsylvania State Archives.

In the early 1870s, Denig was accused of libeling five community
leaders - mainly ministers - in the newspaper, Stayer wrote. At trial,
a jury found him not guilty of one indictment, and the court quashed
the rest.

Denig was quite a character, local historical researcher June Lloyd said.

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In "Jack Shepherd's' Daily," it is announced that "Jack Shepherd" -
alias John Henry Denig - would deliver a lecture at Washington Hall.

Denig attracted attention outside the war - especially with his libel
case - but nobody talks about the other aspects of Denig's life,
Stayer said.

Denig published "Jack Shepherd's' Trial," which covered his case
involving the charge of libeling a pastor. Denig alleged the
congregation had "taken to themselves a false teacher; a wolf in
sheep's clothing; a deceiver and a hypocrite," according to the paper.

Dr. N. H. Shearer, a physician and druggist, testified that he
thought Denig was "crazy," the report states.

"And you admitted to the accused and stated upon your oath, that
perhaps you were about half beside yourself?" Denig asked Shearer,
prompting laughter in the court, according to "Jack Shepherd's'
Trial."

Records indicate that Denig spent time in the "Pennsylvania State
Lunatic Hospital" as well as prisons, poor houses and other places,
Stayer wrote.

Stayer said he always wondered if Denig had been injured during the
war or if his service in the military had affected his mind.

Lloyd said she needs to do more research on Denig, but she, too, has
questions about his mental health.

Denig asked for justice at his trial, according to "Jack Shepherd's' Trial."

That's when he referred to his military service.

Sgt. Denig was on the U.S.S. Brooklyn during the Battle of Mobile Bay
on Aug. 5, 1864. The Marine continued to fight despite the severe
damage to his ship and the death of comrades. The Union captured
control of the southern port.

"It brought the end of the Civil War closer," said Dave Brady, senior
vice commandant with the First Capitol Detachment of the Marine Corps
League.

Here's what Denig said to the jury:

"Your honors, and gentlemen of the jury, you perceive here upon my
left breast a medal of honor, awarded to me by a vote of Congress, for
personal valor at that terrible engagement with the enemies to our
country at Mobile Bay ..." according to " 'Jack Shepherd's' Trial."

"There is no other man in the court house wearing such honors, not
even the distinguished and valorious gentlemen who have seen fit to
bring this suit to - "Court."

York County Civil War-era Medal of Honor recipients

Other York County natives received the Medal of Honor for actions in the Civil War era.

They are:

--Sgt. Charles H. Ilgenfritz, a member of Company E, 207th
Pennsylvania Infantry, for his actions at Fort Sedgwick, Va. on April
2, 1865.

--Col. Matthew S. Quay, in the 134th Pennsylvania Infantry, for his
actions at Fredericksburg, Va. on Dec. 13, 1862.

--First Sgt. John Kirk with Company L, 6th U.S. Cavalry, for his
actions at Wichita River, Texas on July 12, 1870, during the Indian
War Campaigns.

--Army Pvt. George Springer, Company G, 1st U.S. Cavalry, for his
actions at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona on Oct. 20, 1869 during the
Indian War Campaigns.

Source: Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Seeking family of Marine Sgt. John Henry Denig

Marine Sgt. John Henry Denig is buried at Prospect Hill Cemetery.

His name, however, has not been added to the Prospect Hill Court of
Valor because a family member must apply for it, said Dave Brady,
senior vice commandant with the First Capitol Detachment of the Marine
Corps League.

The Marines would like to find family members so that his name might
be added to the monument.

Medal of Honor Convention

The 2013 Congressional Medal of Honor Convention is Sept. 18-22 in
Gettysburg. It includes the following public events, which are free
but require tickets. Tickets are taken, but those who wish to attend can get on a waiting list in case tickets become available:

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